Where Am I Giving: A Global Adventure Exploring How to Use Your Gifts and Talents to Make a Difference

27The X Factor in the Good Person Equation

ON EVERY STEP OF THIS JOURNEY, the amazing givers I met taught me something else about living a life of generosity and giving, and they also made it more unlikely that I would be able to solve the Good Person Equation I set out to find.

But I promised. So here goes.

The Good Person Equation

• To do at least our part to make the world a better place, we should …
• Volunteer 100 hours per year. According to the 100-hour rule, you'll be happier and more connected to your community. Even better if you could put a special skill to use. Only 25% of Americans volunteer. Do it!
• Donate 2% of your income to the most effective organizations fighting global extreme poverty. Singer's www.thelifeyoucansave.org has a great tool to determine what percentage of your income to give. According to the tool, someone who makes $12,000 per year should give a minimum of 1%. At $60,000 per year, the average household income in the US, that jumps to 2.1% and at $100,000 to 4.6%. If you give at least this much, you'll be doing your part to end extreme poverty, and giving about 20 times more than most. Find organizations at www.givewell.org and at Singer's www.thelifeyoucansave.org.
• Donate 2% of your income to the most efficient organizations helping those in poverty in your community. Early childhood reading programs are especially effective.
• Donate 1% of income toward arts, a friend in need fund, or your “when some kid hits you up for a school fund-raiser” fund. ...